A fire broke out early Monday at a retirement home near Belgrade, Serbia, resulting in the tragic death of eight residents and injuries to seven others.

According to Luka Causic, a police officer involved in the emergency response, the fire started at 3:30 am, with approximately 30 people inside the facility. Emergency responders quickly evacuated 13 individuals from the building.

Labour Minister Nemanja Starovic extended condolences to the victims’ families and confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire.

“The competent prosecutor’s office will provide official information soon,” Starovic said.

The injured are receiving treatment at the Belgrade Military Hospital, while firefighters extinguished the blaze promptly despite the facility’s remote location.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident, with further details expected to emerge.